FAQ's
How many sessions are there per year?
We organize two sessions per year - one in the Spring and one in the Fall. The ESSL hosts a summer camp locally. Starting in 2021, our Genoa HS program has hosted a one-day soccer camp for our U8-U14 players. Our Genoa program also held our first Winter Clinic in 2017.
How do I register my child(ren)?
We are pleased to announce that all of our registrations and payments are handled online! You never have to guess when your check will be cashed. Registration is located here with step-by-step instructions. Once you create your profile and enter your child(ren), it will be saved for future seasons. The online system is the most secure you can get (same security level as Amazon!) In the event you choose NOT to register or pay online, there is an additional $5 fee required when you mail or drop off your registration. This fee is what our online database company charges us to manually enter your information. Registration fees cover OSA & ESSL participation fees, Accidental Injury Insurance, Referee Costs, Volunteer Background Checks, Tournament Participation Fees, and End-of-Year Bowling Party (Fall).
In the event that you volunteer to be a coach, you will register online and pay for your child(ren). Once all registrations have been submitted and we know how many coaches we need (around the registration deadline), we will follow up with you to finalize our list of coaches. At that time, you will receive a full reimbursement of your registration costs! Yes, that's right, our coach's child(ren) play for FREE! We appreciate our coaches and volunteers, and this is our way of saying thank you!
* Please note it is only the Head Coach who receives a free coaches shirt, and only the child(ren) of the Head Coach who play on that team who will play for free.
Are jerseys included with the cost of registration?
For the U3, U4, and U6 divisions, all players will receive a t-shirt jersey included with the cost of their registration. For the U8-U14 divisions, jerseys will need to be purchased separately once registration closes. We will email all participants with a link to our online store through Soccer.com. From here, you will be able to purchase your child's soccer jersey with optional shorts and socks. These items will need ordered ASAP to ensure arrival prior to the start of games. The items will be shipped directly to your home, and you will not need to purchase jerseys for future seasons. Our hope is this will be easier and more cost effective for everyone in our program.
When are the start dates?
These dates vary year to year. Generally speaking, spring season is mid-March through May and the fall season is mid-August through October. Please check our Facebook page for the correct dates.
When are practices held?
Practices will begin 2-3 weeks prior to the beginning of the season. The day of the week, time and number of practices will be determined by your child’s coach.
When are games played?
Games will be played during the week (typically starting at 5:30 or 6:00pm) and on the weekends as scheduled by your coach.
Where are practices held & games played?
All 10U-14U practices and games are held at the Clay Center soccer fields on Genoa-Clay Center Road. All 8U girls practices and games are held at Veteran's Park in Genoa (Washington Street) while 8U boys practices and games are held near Waterworks and Brunner Campus. All 3U, 4U & 6U practices and games are held at Allen Township Fields.
How does the 4U & 3U age group work?
During the Spring 2018 season, we added the 4U division to involve the younger children. During the Fall 2023 season, we will be adding a 3U division. This is more for player development with foot skills, proper techniques, and an introduction to the game of soccer to prepare them for the 6U age group. We found practice sessions that lasted approximately 30-45 minutes were about all these young children and their attention spans could handle. Parents are highly encouraged to take part in the practice sessions as it helps keep the children engaged and assists those coaches leading the sessions. These players will receive a t-shirt jersey but will not play in organized team games. Coaches must be secured for this division to happen, so please indicate on your child's registration your willingness to serve as a volunteer coach!
How are age groups determined?
Age groups are determined SAY Soccer, and ESSL follows these guidelines. Divisions are created according to birth years as listed in the SAY Soccer Age Chart.
3U - Ages 3 and under (children born between January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021).
4U - Ages 4 and under (children born between January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020).
6U - Ages 6 and under (children born between January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2019).
8U - Ages 8 and under (children born between January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2017).
10U - Ages 10 and under (children born between January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2015).
12U - Ages 12 and under (children born between January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2013).
14U - Ages 14 and under (children born between January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2011).
*Players move up to the next division based on ESSL guidelines, usually during the Spring season.
** The Genoa Soccer Board reserves the right in some instances (only when necessary) to move the oldest players up from a division to ensure balanced teams and to maximize playing time for all participants.
May I move my child up an age group?
ESSL has adopted a new guideline as follows:
The ESSL recognizes there are times and conditions under which players need to be moved in an age group that is greater than their attained age. With the goal of recognizing the issues of player safety and maintaining recreational status we will follow these guidelines:
All requests to move players up must be reported to the Board Members during the time of registration. The ESSL and Genoa Board reserves the right to deny any request to move a player up. Consideration will be given to the following reasons for playing up:
May I move my child down an age group?
No. SAY guidelines read that all players must play at their age group, or above when approved by the ESSL Board.
How are teams formed?
Teams are formed in the following way:
The teams are balanced as close as possible to ensure each team has the equal amount of players of each age. For example, a 8U team equal number of 6 and 7 year olds as every other 8U team.
What happens if my child is injured?
In the event of an injury that requires medical treatment notify your coach immediately. Once the coach is notified he/she will need to fill out an injury report form and return it to GARS. It will then be forwarded to SAY soccer and they will make contact directly with the parents of the injured player. All players are covered with accident insurance and this insurance serves as a secondary coverage unless no other insurance is available.
What if I register my child and then they decide not to play?
If you register your child to play and then he/she changes their mind you may be eligible for a refund, depending on when you notify the GARS:
How long do the games last?
How many players are on the field?
What are the rules for each division?
What size ball does each division use?
Are there local tournaments?
There are ESSL tournaments at the local level for U8-U14 divisions at the end of the Fall season only.
Fall 2023 ESSL dates are October 14-15 (Boys) and October 21-22 (Girls) @ Oregon Rec Center.